(NAPSI)—As homeowners consider ways to “live green”,
many may be surprised to learn the powerful effect home heating has on
achieving optimal energy and cost efficiency.

Fortunately, home builders know HVAC is a key to living green—a full
87 percent of builders and remodelers consider energy-efficient systems vital
to green building, according to a recent National Association of Home
Builders report.

So how do you choose a home heating solution that’s both Earth and
financially friendly? Here are a few hints that can help.

Selecting the optimal climate control system is critical with home heating
using more energy and costing more money than any other system in your home—typically
making up nearly half your utility bill. There are several types of heating
systems that range from blowing hot air through ductwork to piping hot water
through your floor. Forced-air systems, the most common, heat quickly and
evenly, but many are not energy efficient and some users complain that moving
air is noisy and blows allergens around the house. In addition, they require
ductwork, which many older homes don’t have.

A lesser-known option, at least among Americans, is called ductless
mini-split systems, distributed by such companies as Fujitsu General America.
While the majority of HVAC systems in Asia and Europe are already ductless,
they are rapidly gaining traction in North America,
with mini-split systems projected to enjoy an annual growth rate of 14
percent each year through 2020.

Live Green, Save Green: Up to 25
Percent on Energy Bills

Mini-split systems provide maximum energy efficiency, saving homeowners up
to 25 percent of utility bills by simply eliminating wasteful ducts. Duct
losses can easily account for more than 30 percent of energy consumption,
especially if the ducts are not sealed tight or are located in an
unconditioned space such as an attic or crawl space. This is particularly
good news for older homes, homes without existing ductwork or homes with seasonal
additions, such as a sunroom. Installing ductwork is expensive and requires
cutting holes in walls, floors and ceilings, or decreasing closet space.
Ductless systems require only a two- or three-inch hole through the wall.

Customized Comfort, Even at

Extra-Low Temperatures

Ending any “Family Thermostat Wars,” mini-splits feature
custom zone control, letting homeowners connect two to eight indoor units to
a single outdoor unit. Each zone has its own thermostat so occupants can
adjust each room to the temperature they want. Further, only occupied areas
are heated, which can represent a significant savings considering the
kitchen, dining room, living room and bedrooms are left unoccupied for at
least 40 percent of the time in most households. What’s more, the
comfort continues even in extreme cold weather climate. Fujitsu’s Extra
Low Temperature Heating (XLTH) Series features outdoor condensing units
engineered to operate in temperatures down to -15º F, lower than any
other mini-split available today.

Cleaner Air, Lower Environmental
Impact

Mini-split systems are designed with cleaner interior air in mind. No
ductwork means no dust or mold to blow around a home and the built-in ion
deodorization filter absorbs odors. Dust, mold spores and microorganisms are
caught in the filter, promoting allergen-free air. Ductless mini-split
systems are designed with Earth-friendly elements, using a refrigerant called
R410A, known for its potential for zero ozone depletion.